Folly to the Foolish, Wisdom unto God

Read:

“For the Word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…” 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV

Reflect:

We have all been there. You are sitting at lunch with a coworker, sharing a meal with your family, or just having a conversation with someone in line at the grocery store when, prompted by the Spirit of God, you share the truth and beauty of the Gospel with them. Your anticipation grows as you faithfully proclaim Christ and Him crucified, and invite this stranger to the throne of grace for salvation and they. . .reject it.

Should we be surprised about this? Should we stand dumbfounded when someone dismisses, scoffs or even mocks the blessed message of the Gospel of Christ Jesus? The Bible teaches us that we should not. In fact, we should be used to those who reject the truth of salvation by no other name but Christ’s. (Matthew 7:14) Few will come to know Christ, we know this. It is why our Savior called it a narrow path. We are called to proclaim the Gospel. It is God Who will bring in the harvest. The spiritually dead cannot understand spiritual things. Insight must be given by God. You are commanded to proclaim the Gospel in Spirit and in truth. Faith is given by the power of God, not by the eloquence of words and speech.

We live in a generation that demands signs, and seeks out the wisdom of the age that is doomed to pass away (1 Corinthians 2:6). Do not be discouraged or shaken when someone rejects the message of the Cross. To the born-again believer, the message of the Cross is hope, redemption, sanctification, and righteousness. It is Christ. What is foolishness to the world is the wisdom of God. What is weakness to man is strength in God. Continue to proclaim His truth, no matter how anyone reacts, sisters. Remember, even the disciples doubted Jesus at one time. Let this bring comfort to our souls when feeling discouraged. His Word never returns void. (Isaiah 55:11)

Pray:

Father God, at times when we tell people of You, their reactions are not want we expect or desire. Help us to remember that we are called to plant seeds by proclaiming the truth of Your Son, and Him crucified. Help us not to be discouraged when strangers and love ones shun us or reject us, for we know that we once were like this. And yet, You had mercy on us. Please give us the strength to go forth among the nations and continue to tell others to flee to Christ from the wrath we all so deserve. Thank you for our Savior Christ Jesus, and in His name, we pray. Amen.

Your turn:

Has the rejection of others caused you to become fearful or discouraged about telling people about Christ? Repent of the fear of man and ask God for the grace to be bold, when the Holy Spirit prompts you to speak.